Today it is the cold before the (maybe) storm. Moisture is sweeping up from the Gulf of Mexico, and maybe by Saturday night/Sunday morning we’ll have a good old Nor’Easter. We had one last year just about this time, and Christmas was white.
Unfortunately, I wasted all that drifty, fluffy goodness. We had company (and was I glad of that!) and Champagne and I were too new to the barn and environs to venture out into the trail system through the drifts. But this year we’re not.
I’m looking forward to a nice tramp though two feet of snow. Because he isn’t shod, he doesn’t get ice balls all clumped up in his feet, and he’s pretty sure footed. When I rode out a couple of weeks ago, there were perhaps three inches on the ground, and each twig of the trees and trail-side brush was picked out in snow; quite lacy and delicate. (N.b. to http://ryanlion.livejournal.com/ : you never see that!) I came upon a cross-country skier who said that my black horse and I looked beautiful in all the whiteness. When we got back to the barn, Champagne’s feet were as clean as if they’d been washed.
Can Champagne pick up a trot (or even a canter) in the snow? That would certainly be one way to warm us both up. I’m so Jonesing to try.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Improvement continues
Whatever muscular pain Champagne seems to have been feeling is improving. I hate to admit it, but the combination of chiropractic adjustments and longeing him at the canter, plus a lot of work backing up (he rounds up to back up) and a lot of trotting with a loose rein so he can lower his head nearly to the floor has created enough strength/comfort for him to carry me at the canter for short stretches.
Also, I’ve been doing a lot of work on my seat, so I’m more stable and comfy cantering. That feels good. I have been very nervous about it since he ran away with me that day this past August.
Champagne is down to five flakes a day, in hopes that his tubby little barrel will slim down, because I know it is hard on his frame to carry that extra weight. Still, when I come to the barn and call him, he leaves his beloved hay net to come say hi. And although I don’t allow head-butting, he has taken to just gently bumping me with his nose which I find endearing.
We’re growing together and learning together, it would seem. Very satisfactory.
Also, I’ve been doing a lot of work on my seat, so I’m more stable and comfy cantering. That feels good. I have been very nervous about it since he ran away with me that day this past August.
Champagne is down to five flakes a day, in hopes that his tubby little barrel will slim down, because I know it is hard on his frame to carry that extra weight. Still, when I come to the barn and call him, he leaves his beloved hay net to come say hi. And although I don’t allow head-butting, he has taken to just gently bumping me with his nose which I find endearing.
We’re growing together and learning together, it would seem. Very satisfactory.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
You never know the tracks you leave
As I may have mentioned, I really enjoy sharing Champagne with kids. From time to time this past summer as I was riding in the outdoor arena, a car would pull in and a group would pile out and kind of oooh and ah at Champagne.
I always ride him over to the rail and let them pat him, answer questions, and if they seem interested I let them feed him a carrot from the stash I keep in my pocket. Once or twice I’ve even given a pony ride on him.
I guess it is like being a proud Mama. I love to show off my beautiful boy. Then, too, I remember my life-long intense wistful longing for a horse, so it pleases me to share a little horse time with someone who might feel the same way.
Yesterday at the barn Champagne got a piece of mail. It was a thank you card, with a very cute crayon drawing of Champagne inside. It said, “We went to visit a horse named Champagne. Bonnie and Kim fed him a carrot.” The card had a very nice thank you from someone named Dorinda, Senior Staff Counselor from The Bridge of Central Mass.
On the Internet I learned that this agency serves children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, and family problems, as well as adults with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse challenges.
As I thought back to September I began to remember the two girls and the counselor Champagne met this fall. I had truly forgotten about them until Champagne got his letter! I was really pleased. Something I just did for my own pleasure, sharing my horse, turns out to have been a help to some kids who probably needed some magic in their lives. How’s that for a holiday story!
I always ride him over to the rail and let them pat him, answer questions, and if they seem interested I let them feed him a carrot from the stash I keep in my pocket. Once or twice I’ve even given a pony ride on him.
I guess it is like being a proud Mama. I love to show off my beautiful boy. Then, too, I remember my life-long intense wistful longing for a horse, so it pleases me to share a little horse time with someone who might feel the same way.
Yesterday at the barn Champagne got a piece of mail. It was a thank you card, with a very cute crayon drawing of Champagne inside. It said, “We went to visit a horse named Champagne. Bonnie and Kim fed him a carrot.” The card had a very nice thank you from someone named Dorinda, Senior Staff Counselor from The Bridge of Central Mass.
On the Internet I learned that this agency serves children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, and family problems, as well as adults with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse challenges.
As I thought back to September I began to remember the two girls and the counselor Champagne met this fall. I had truly forgotten about them until Champagne got his letter! I was really pleased. Something I just did for my own pleasure, sharing my horse, turns out to have been a help to some kids who probably needed some magic in their lives. How’s that for a holiday story!
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